South Shields yob punched ex-girlfriend in the neck after turning up at her house saying he wanted a bath

Steven Puttock, 27, of Lord Nelson Street, South Shields, has been labelled a “disgrace” by a judge for the assault on the mother of his two children.

He turned up at her home uninvited and heavily in drink in the early hours of Sunday, May 3, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

Believing a friend was behind the 2.40am knock, she opened the door only to be confronted by tattooed Puttock.

He barged past her and told her he was going for a bath, it was said.

But he instead punched her several times in the neck when she told him he was not welcome and was in breach of a restraining order, imposed only on March 30.

Police were called and he was arrested, coming round later in custody with no recollection of the assault.

Sentencing him to 18 weeks in jail, suspended for a year, District Judge Kathryn Meek told him: “You are a disgrace.

“By the skin of your teeth I’m going to suspend the custodial sentence I’m going to give you.”

Judge Meek said the fact he was in employment and was yet to receive support for ongoing emotional issues were principal factors to her decision.

In March, Puttock was given the 12-month restraining order by her after pleading guilty to punching the same woman in the face while drunk on Christmas Day.

In his latest court hearing, prosecutor Lesley Burgess said: “She was confronted by the defendant, he was extremely intoxicated and he went straight in.

“He said that he was going to have a bath and she reminded him that there was a restraining order and that he shouldn’t be there.

“She describes him clenching his fists and punching her. Police were called and he was located in the bathroom.”

In a statement read to the court, his victim said she was “extremely frightened and scared” of Puttock and his violent behaviour.

The court heard that during his police interview Puttock was tearful and could not remember his attack.

Sophie Ellinson, defending, said: “He hold his hands up completely to this unacceptable behaviour on this occasion.

“He’s had a drink and has become emotional. The breakdown of their relationship has triggered this offence.

“We can’t challenge any of her account because he’s said to the police that he’s drank quite an amount.

“I would say that he’s in need of some help. He needs some urgent support with his mental health. He’s mortified by his behaviour.”

Puttock, who admitted assault and breaching a restraining order, must pay the woman £200 compensation and a £128 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

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